UW-Madison faculty and students will attend the ninth annual all-day Diversity Forum at the Memorial Union Tuesday.
In 1998, the university attempted to improve diversity on campus with the creation of a ten-year plan, Plan 2008: Educational Quality Through Racial/Ethnic Diversity."" The program's goal included increasing diversity within the UW-Madison community and lessening the achievement gap by 2008.
During the Diversity Forum, students and faculty will analyze the successes and failures of the plan, as well as discuss how to move forward, with the forum's theme, ""Beyond Plans and Promises: Active Leadership for the Future.""
University Communications spokesperson John Lucas said this year's forum is one of the most interesting forums the campus has had in a long time.
""They've been well-produced and very interesting, but this one has multi-focus,"" Lucas said.
In addition to focusing on moving beyond Plan 2008, this year's forum will focus special attention on Native Americans living in the Great Lakes area, minorities and women.
Ho Chunk President Willie Cleveland and Provost Patrick Farrell will speak in the afternoon. Duke University professor Eduardo Bonilla-Silva will deliver the keynote address on the challenge of encompassing diversity at historically white colleges.
After further discussions in the afternoon, Chancellor Biddy Martin will close the forum.
According to university officials, Vice Provost for Diversity and Climate Damon Williams organized the forum.
Lucas said he expects Williams to present plans for the future and Martin to reaffirm commitment to diversity on campus.
""The backdrop of Plan 2008 is sort of drawing to a close,"" Lucas said. ""Now there's two major new leaders who are on campus, who are going to pick up the mantel of this issue.""
For more information on the forum's agenda visit www.diversity.wic.edu/forums.php.
